Eels sign Will Hopoate

Manly Sea Eagles and NSW Blues representative William Hopoate will rejoin the NRL in a Blue and Gold jersey in 2014 after signing a two year deal with the Pirtek Parramatta Eels today.

One of the game's most exciting young players, Hopoate, 19, will embark on a two year religious mission in Queensland later this year before joining the Eels squad for pre-season training in November 2013.

Hopoate's signing has again highlighted the Eels' recruitment and retention strategy under head coach Stephen Kearney and recruitment manager Peter Nolan.

The Eels will welcome Chris Sandow, Willie and Esi Tonga, Ben Roberts and Taulima Toutai among other players for next season, while the futures of young talents such as Jacob Loko, Mitchell Allgood, Taniela Lasalo and Pat O'Hanlon have also been secured.